Abuja Film Festival kicks off in a grand style yesterday

The 20th Abuja International Film Festival, with the theme “Beyond Borders: Globalisation and Film Business,” kicked off with a grand opening ceremony that witnessed the presence of several notable figures in the industry. Among the distinguished guests was the representative of the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hajia Hanatu Musawa. In addition to Musawa, the festival had the honor of hosting ambassadors from Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, Cote d’Ivoire, and Egypt, along with other prominent personalities such as the DG of the National Film and Video Censors Board, the CEO of the Nigeria Film Corporation, and the CEO of Startimes, Joshua Wang. The event was also well attended by local and international filmmakers.

During the ceremony, the festival’s founder took the opportunity to reflect on its humble beginnings, when cinema spaces were scarce in Abuja. He emphasized how the festival has been instrumental in fostering the growth of the Nigerian film industry, better known as Nollywood.

The ambassadors and high commissioners present at the event expressed their admiration for the festival’s success and longevity, offering commendations and goodwill messages. They highlighted the sustainability and significance of the festival over its 20-year history.

The Abuja International Film Festival will continue for the next four days with a lineup of daily screenings, panel discussions, and other engaging activities. The highly anticipated awards ceremony, where winners will be presented with awards in 16 different categories, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 2nd, 2023. With its rich history and international participation, the festival promises to be an exciting showcase of global cinema.